Nation

King: Adopt spirit of moderation for national unity

PUTRAJAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah has called on the people to adopt the spirit of moderation, based on the principles enshrined in the national Constitution.

He said this was important amid efforts by unscrupulous quarters to disturb the spirit of unity in diversity that exists among the people.

"Various sensitive issues and slogans were raised when we all know and need to understand that we are all responsible for preserving national unity and solidarity.

"All of our actions need to reflect that we are a community and that we have been entrusted to care for national harmony and not the contrary," he said during the National Maal Hijrah Celebration 1435H/2013M themed 'Wasatiyyah Tonggal Kesatuan Ummah' (Moderation The Pillar To Unite The People) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here Tuesday.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also reminded the people not to view current issues in the country as petty.

He said issues which involved the change of values resulting in inability to differentiate right from wrong, insulting religion and the royal institution, as well as human rights, could contribute to destruction of the people and country if not addressed.

"I think it's enough and we need to rise and look back to evaluate our mistakes and rectify them.

"Let us not allow confusing values to develop in our community, but instead guide the people to instill values of unity as a continuous national agenda," he added.

The King also invited Muslims in the country to emulate the moderation approach taken by the prophet based on life in Madinah.

"We should emulate the Madinah Islamic country which recognises a plural community and togetherness to protect and develop the country," he said.

He said Malaysians needed to practise moderation so that the Government can strengthen its efforts to continue the progress of the people and country.

"Efforts to strengthen this understanding must involve all government agencies, including the mass media, as a most strategic platform," he said. - Bernama